HC Deb 02 May 1922 vol 153 c1144
16. Mr. GWYNNE

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if Mr. Cope is still in Dublin; if so, what position he holds, whether under the Provisional or British Government; and by which Government is he paid?

The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Sir Hamar Greenwood)

Mr. Cope is still in Dublin. He holds the position of Assistant Under-Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant, and is in the service of and is paid by the Imperial Government.

Colonel GRETTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what duties Mr. Cope is performing, seeing that the administration of Southern Ireland has been handed over to the Provisional Government?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

Mr. Cope and other Imperial servants are engaged in winding-up various Imperial services. They are all doing their duties under great difficulties. They are all amenable to this House, and their conduct can be raised on the Irish Estimates. I do not think it helpful to these gentlemen in their difficult situation that the policy adopted by the House should be criticised from day to day.

Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEY

Can these gentlemen do something to save the lives of the Protestants in Cork?

Mr. J. JONES

What about the Catholics in the North of Ireland?

Mr. SEXTON

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us will they go when they are wound-up?

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